On a three fight winning streak defeating top prospects Spencer Fisher, Andre Winner and George Sotiropoulos, Dennis Siver is certainly high up the ladder when it comes to UFC lightweights. Add victories over Paul Kelly, Dale Hartt, Nate Mohr, Chas Jacquier and Naoyuki Kotani , The German Conqueror is definitely a step closer to getting his wish of becoming the first German UFC Lightweight Champion.

MMA SPORTS: Congratulations, on your win against George Sotiropoulos at UFC 127, what were your thoughts on the fight?
Dennis: Thank you! I think the fight was really exciting for the fans to see me, the underdog, fight against George. And I´m really happy how the fight ended! My game plan was to stay on my feet and avoid the takedowns. I also knocked him down twice.

MMA SPORTS: It was in Australia, George’s hometown, obvious crowd favorite, did that affect you at all?
Dennis: It even motivates me more, that all these guys were against me. Some of them throw cups and empty beer glasses (plastic) at me.

MMA SPORTS: Going into the fight, you were the underdog, did that surprise you?
Dennis: Not at all. Everybody thought that George would submit me within the first rounds because of his great BJJ. But you see, to submit someone, you have to take him down first.

MMA SPORTS: Do you think George Sotiropoulos underestimated you?
Dennis: No! He didn’t underestimate me. I think we both have great respect for each other. We’ve trained together in Las Vegas before, so he knows my strengths and weaknesses. He is a really great guy and a thought fighter!

MMA SPORTS: He tried several times to take you down and had no luck, you showed great takedown defense, you obviously wanted to keep the fight standing?
Dennis: Yes. I feel more comfy on my feet. But if he took me down, I would fight on the ground. I’ve improved my BJJ, so I was ready.

MMA SPORTS: If it went to the ground, George is known for his incredible grappling, so you were prepared?
Dennis: Well, he is a black belt, I’m a purple belt. I think his technique is better. But it’s really hard to submit me, especially when you are allowed to punch on the ground. I think my ground game and wrestling is underestimated, but I like being underestimated and being the underdog!

MMA SPORTS: You had him hurt in the first round, were you surprised you couldn’t finish him?
Dennis: Yes, he has a great chin! But also, I punched him with my left hand, that is the weaker one (smiles).

MMA SPORTS: George was 7-0 in the UFC, you handed him his first loss, what do you think was the important factor in the fight?
Dennis: He couldn’t take me down, that was the key to success.

MMA SPORTS: Looking at both of you, you looked like the much bigger man, you weigh in at 155lbs, come fight day, how much are you weighing?
Dennis: I’m short, that’s the reason I look so big. If I had the size of George, it would look athletic and not that “big”.

MMA SPORTS: Overall what were your thoughts of Australia?
Dennis: I loved it. It was my dream to go there some day. Really nice people, beautiful city, the weather was great! Unfortunately, I was not there for a vacation.

MMA SPORTS: Your next fight is against Matt Wiman at UFC 132, what are your thoughts on that fight?
Dennis: It’s gonna be a fun fight. He likes to brawl, and so do I. The fans will love it. Pure Action!

MMA SPORTS: How do you think the two of you match up?
Dennis: Great. He is well rounded. Great BJJ, great boxing aggressive! I think it’s an even match up. Thanks to Joe Silva!

MMA SPORTS: What are you predictions on the fight?
Dennis: It won’t go to the judge’s score. I’m quite optimistic.

MMA SPORTS: Will you be doing anything different preparing for this fight?
Dennis: No, it’s the same camp, the same preparation as usual. Lots of sparring, conditioning and technique.

MMA SPORTS: What can fans expect in your next fight?
Dennis: A well-rounded, improved Dennis Siver, that will fight until the fight is over and hopefully, I will get the Knock Out of The Night Award!

MMA SPORTS: Gray Maynard and the Frankie Edgar UFC Lightweight title fight will now have to wait, but when they do fight, who do you think will win?
Dennis: Gray Maynard!

MMA SPORTS: So if Gray Maynard wins, would you like to fight him again, previous fight you had with him was a split decision to Gray, and what do you predict will happen in time?
Dennis: Sure I’d like to fight him again; there is still some unfinished business. Our last fight was very close, Gray also knows this. The next time, I would definitely win this fight!

MMA SPORTS: If Frankie Edgar beats Gray Maynard, would you like to fight him?
Dennis: I will fight anybody the UFC wants me to. Frankie is a great wrestler, in great condition with a great chin, and fast hands. I think this would be one my toughest fights. He is the lightweight champion and that’s for a good reason!

MMA SPORTS: Are we going to see Dennis Siver as the UFC Lightweight champion?
Dennis: Sure. I want to be the first German UFC lightweight champion. This is my biggest dream!

MMA SPORTS: How did you get the nickname “The German Conqueror”?
Dennis: Because I want to conquer the title! Some out there also gave me the name
“The Menace”.

MMA SPORTS: Any final words?
Dennis: I want to thank my fans, my sponsors, my training partners, coaches and everybody out there that supports our great sport! And thanks to MMA SPORTS Magazine for the support and the interview!